Soccer - International Friendly : England Vs Brazil

It was only a friendly but Steve McClaren’s already sinking position as manager will certainly be threatened if England loses to Brazil in the first England international match at the new wembley stadium.

Can Beckham repay McClaren's new faith in him?

With that in mind, the England players put out a spirited display, particularly by Steven Gerrard as they tried to stifle the more creative and talented Brazilians.



Spirited Display
Still, Brazil managed to create more chances. Gilberto Silva had a goal wrongly ruled offside, while Ronaldinho flashed a freekick just over off Robinson’s post.


In between, David Beckham, recalled by McClaren in a total turnaround decision, stepped up in his trademark style as he tried to curl in a freekick, but it just shaved the right post, to the relief of the Brazilian players.


Brazil skipper Gilberto Silva headed the ball into the England net only to see his goal ruled out - even though it appeared it was Vagner Love rather than the Arsenal midfielder who had strayed offside.


Ronaldinho then tried to poke a Kaka pass instinctively past Robinson but he denied the Brazilian a goal with a superb reflex save, especially when replays showed it took a deflection off an England player.


Stewart downing, a half time England substitute hit a fierce shot straight at Helton, which he had to turn over at full stretch. Few other real chances can be talked about, as most were long range shots by Ronaldinho and Kaka which did not trouble Robinson at all.


However, in the 68th minute, against the run of play, Beckham send in a trademark dipping freekick from the right, arriving right at the top of John Terry’s head, leaving him little to do, except head the ball into the goal.


Second half substitute, Afonso with his first touch, nearly sneaked in an equalizer for brazil after a fumble by Manchester United’s Wes Brown .He came even closer when he headed over just a few yards away from goal when perhaps he should had scored.


As the minutes ticked by, It looked as if England was going to claim a famous first win at the new wembley stadium, mainly credited to their revived golden boy, Beckham. But Gilberto Silva lofted the ball into the penalty area and Werder Bremen’s Diego sneaked in curiously unmarked by any England players, to glance a header past Robinson in the dying seconds.


It was a bitter-sweet moment for England, but at least they can have something to take from this spirited display by their players, especially David Beckham.